July 11th, 2016 brings us 45-days away from the National Park Service Centennial. In this edition of the #CentennialCountdown we go back 45-years to 1971 and the establishment of Arches and Capitol Reef National Parks. Words cannot express the sheer and unadulterated joy that these parks bring me.

Delicate Arch

Arches is one of the most absurdly beautiful places in the world. The only downfall of the park is that it is so easy and accessible to see everything that the crowds can be a bit much.

Capitol Reef is a bit different than all of the other Utah parks. I hesitate to sing its praise, because part of it's beauty is due to the fact that it is less visited. Just know this, not visiting Capitol Reef would be a mistake. Don't make mistakes.